St.Francis 

Gentile da Fabriano painted Saint Francis receiving the stigmata in tempera on wood panel. The angel in the upper right is of particular importance because it is not just any angel, but Christ himself in the form of a seraph. In Christian iconography, the stigmata are the wounds that Christ suffered during his crucifixion, miraculously appearing on the body of Saint Francis. The ropes that connect the seraph to Saint Francis emphasize the divine origin of the stigmata, symbolizing a direct transfer of Christ's suffering. This recalls earlier traditions that associate the stigmatization of saints with divine favor. The motif of the stigmata and of the seraph is not unique; it resonates with earlier art and even pre-Christian traditions of divine marks. In the Middle Ages, the wounds of Christ became a powerful symbol of empathy. Saint Francis’ gesture of acceptance is laden with psycho-spiritual weight; the stigmata embody a deep emotional and psychological connection between the saint and the divine. Observe how this event has recurred in various forms throughout history, each time evolving and adapting, yet preserving a powerful core narrative that continues to engage viewers today.